Dr. Watson

and that you are much preoccupied with your business, which I take to be some form of insurance.

Now, what is this?

I'll be hanged if I can see how he knows it's a practical application of logic, sir.

The briefcase that you carry might at first indicate a barrister or some other professional man, but your brusque business-like manner counteracts that suggestion.

An insurance broker who must visit clients at odd hours is the likeliest man to combine that manner with a briefcase of midnight.

But the wife and the manservant and the fact that I'm preoccupied with my business.

Your cufflinks don't matter.

Each is from a different pair.

That would suggest preoccupation.

And it's a mistake that neither a wife nor a manservant would have allowed to pass.

Oh, surely that's obvious, Watson.

Well, I can't see it.

I shall let you ponder on that matter while Mr. Lovelace tells us his problem.

Mr. Holmes, are you as interested in preventing a murder as in solving one?

Naturally I am, Mr. Lovelace.

Even more so.

But please tell me your story.

I live with four cousins of mine in an old house in Camberwell.

My grandfather left the house and a sizable fortune to the five of us on condition that we live together and maintain the family unity.

It probably wouldn't surprise you to know that we've grown to get pretty much on each other's nerves.